Larch sponge

Mushroom species that grows on Larix decidua, the European larch and on Larix sibirica, the Siberian larch. The dried cap of the mushroom is the parent plant of the naturopathically used Fungus Laricis.

Fungus Laricis is commonly used as a laxative, for rheumatism and lung diseases. An anti-tumour effect of extracts has been experimentally proven (Hu M et al. 2013).

Fomes officinalis extract, an extract from the larch sponge, is used in cosmetic formulations.

Aragicic acid (up to 18%), resins, various polysaccharides, triterpenes, ricinoleic acid, oxalic acids, phosphoric acid, gum, waxes, bitter substances (Wu X et al. 2009).

1. Hu M et al (2013) Extraction of polysaccharides from Fomes officinalis Ames and their antitumor activity. Exp Ther Med 6:451-454.
2. Wu X et al.(2009) Four new triterpenes from fungus of Fomes officinalis. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 57:195-197.